Colorado · Hiking · West Elk Wilderness

Coal Basin

5.0 mi
round trip
133 ft
climb
9,540 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Jun–Aug
best months

Caution at last check

Agency alerts are in effect for this area; weather is good · USFS, OpenWeather · checked 20 h ago

Is Coal Basin open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests. It doesn't name Coal Basin, so check the source for the area it covers (2 listed).

As of · Source: USFS · Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Coal Basin is a moderate out-and-back hike in Colorado's West Elk Wilderness, within the Paonia Ranger District of the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests. The trail runs about 5 miles round trip, climbing from 8,984 feet at the low point to 9,540 feet at the high point, with a one-way gain of about 133 feet. The route sits on natural surface and is managed by the Forest Service. It's open from June 1 through October 31. Horses are allowed, but bikes are not, and the trail is not accessible. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station at Crested Butte run to highs around 76°F in July and 74°F in August, with lows near 40°F. Winters are cold, with January highs in the mid-20s and lows below zero. Nearby, Kaufman Creek Trail is about 1.7 miles away, and East Creek and Peter Creek are each about 3 miles out. For paddling, Coal Creek is about 5.2 miles away.

Local outfitters

Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.